“The time is now.”
That is the battle cry of Javier “Javi” Lopez Benitez, 26, who officially announced that he is running for mayor of Victorias City in 2022 at a press conference Tuesday, September 21.
Benitez, who is the son of former Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and the nephew of Rep. Francisco Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District), pledged that should he be elected mayor his administration will be clean, efficient, and inclusive.
“These three words encapsulate how we feel the government should be,” he said.
Benitez also promised a government that will ensure accountability and transparency, and openness and innovation.
“We will be a government that won’t be reactive but proactive…A government that puts public consultation as a top priority and a government that is for all,“ Benitez said, adding that he will be available to Victoriahanons 27/7.
Benitez said his running mate will be Abelardo “JunB” Bantug III.
It was a party decision to nominate him for mayor of Victorias City, Benitez said, “because I know they believe that I am capable of handling all the responsibilities given to me”.
Responding to some accusations that his family is building a political dynasty in Negros, Benitez said “I believe that we have the heart to serve the people, we are not forcing anyone to vote (for us,) but what you can expect from our family, especially our Benitez legacy, is good governance and the people as the utmost priority.”
Benitez said what he and his father, who is running for mayor of Bacolod City, offer to the table will be really for the benefit for the people.
“I feel that my diverse experiences and exposure are what make me confident that I can handle the upcoming task,” Benitez said.
He graduated from Xavier High School in San Juan in the top ten of his class, obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science at Santa Clara University in California and is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration and governance at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City.
Benitez, who is a sixth-generation Victoriahanon on his paternal side, said he is a descendant of Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quina, a successful Chinese-Filipino businessman who on Oct. 2, 1906 donated 20 hectares of land to the municipality of Victorias because they needed a new government site.
“After the kindness and generosity that my family has showed and given to me and many of those around us, it’s now time for me to pass it forward,” Benitez said of his bid for mayor of Victorias.
His girlfriend, actress Sue Ramirez, said Benitez enjoys what he is doing and loves Victorias very much.
“Just be yourself because you are enough, you are smart, you are going to be a good leader, I’m sure of that. We are just here supporting you all the way,” she said.
His mother, Dominique Lopez Benitez, said her wish for him is “to continue to be humble, pray and be available always to Victoriahanons.”*